1933: The workings of
Congress take place behind closed doors. Newspapers cover important stories
when they can get information from members.

Today: There are cable
television stations devoted to covering Congress. Although some meetings still
occur in secret, there are many more educated reporters examining the
fine details of bills as well as many more congressional staffers and
lobbyists willing to provide background information.

1933: America is in the
midst of the Great Depression. The year that Both Your Houses is first performed,
the Roosevelt administration passes the Federal Emergency Relief Act, granting
$500 million to the states in order to help ease unemployment.

Today: The economy is
fine-tuned, to a degree, by the Federal Reserve Board, which uses its power to
raise and lower interest rates to try to keep the economy growing and stable.

1933: Steel is one of
America's most powerful industries, and people are...